The two teams have not met since 2012 when Tuskegee claimed a 27-25 victory over Alabama State in the last Turkey Day Classic featuring the two teams. The two, separated by 40 miles, have met 99 times in the past with Tuskegee holding a 61-34-4 lead in the series.
“We are excited about bringing Alabama State back on the schedule,” Tuskegee athletic director Curtis Campbell said. “This is something a lot of the fans and alumni have wanted, and scheduling this early will allow us to renew the series but also be able to compete in the NCAA Division II playoffs.”
The two teams met each year from 1993 until their final meeting in 2012, with Tuskegee winning 12 of the 20 meetings. The series began in 1901 and met each year with the exception of 12 years. During that time, Tuskegee won seven consecutive times in the series on three different occasions – the last streak beginning in 1967 and ending in 1974.
Since 2006, the Golden Tigers are 5-2 against Alabama State.
“I am so very pleased to be a part of restoring this rivalry game between Tuskegee and Alabama State,” Tuskegee University president, Dr. Brian Johnson, said. “More importantly, I am excited that our alumni and fans will once again be able to make an annual trek to Montgomery and support TU Football – one of the winningest Division II football programs in history.”
The series between the two have seen both teams have streaks, as Alabama State won 10 consecutive games from 1983 until 1996. It began with Tuskegee winning the first seven games beginning in 1901, and has seen the teams win four consecutive games against each other 11 different times.
The series has also seen 16 games decided by six points or less, including the highest scoring game in the series in 2007, a 64-58 Tuskegee victory. The series has also seen its share of excitement with thrilling games, such as the 27-25 Tuskegee victory in 2012, and a 28-27 Tuskegee victory in 2001.
“One of the greatest titles you can have is that of an old friend”, Tuskegee University board member and Chair of Athletic Committee, Jonathan Porter said. “We are extremely excited to reunite with our “old friend” Alabama State. The ASU/TU rivalry is not just a football game…it’s a social event that is built around a game. This game will be a tremendous event for the students, faculty, and alumni for both schools.
“It will also have a major economic impact on the City of Montgomery and surrounding areas. Many thanks to President Johnson for “Trusting the Tradition” and getting Alabama State back on our schedule.”
The series will begin in 2017 and will run for four years, all played the first weekend of September, and will be played at ASU Stadium.
Source: Tuskegee University Sports Information
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